| The purpose of this study was to understand how the utilization of various problem-solving processes and analogous problem-solving experiences are related to individuals' success at solving complex, multiple-step problems. Twenty four college-level subjects from a midwestern university participated in the study.;After demonstrating knowledge mastery of the concepts and skills necessary for solving two complex, multiple-step problems, each subject worked individually to solve an initial and an analogous complex, multiple-step problem embedded in a real-world context. While completing each problem, the subject verbalized what he or she was thinking and doing. Once finished, each subject responded to questions concerning his or her past problem-solving experiences (e.g., Have you ever had an opportunity to solve a problem similar to the one you just solved?) and viewed one possible solution to the problem (as provided in the materials). The verbalized and physical problem-solving activities were audio- and video-taped for later transcription, and the resulting protocols were coded using the CoM-StePS System. Additionally, timeline representations were created (depicting the sequence and duration of each subjects' problem-solving processes) and four performance levels were determined (by evaluating subjects' solutions according to the types and frequencies of omissions and errors).;The results of the study revealed that on an initial encounter with a complex, multiple-step problem, the utilization of certain problem-solving processes facilitated optimal problem-solving success. The results also revealed that as the subjects moved from an initial problem to an analogous, complex, multiple-step problem, they adjusted their process utilization, became more successful, and became more alike, in terms of their process utilization. Lastly, although it appeared that many of the subjects exhibited greater success on the analogous than on the initial problem, few subjects reported having recognized and applied a similar problem-solving experience to help solve the problem at hand. Implications of these findings are considered and directions for future research are provided. |
